Another Purim warning

With the approach of Purim, the Rabbinical Council of Victoria reminds the community of its obligations to the Mitzvot of Purim.

The mitzvot:

Hearing the reading of the Megilla (Scroll of Esther) –Wednesday evening during Thursday.

Sending Mishloach Manot (gifts of food) to at least one friend (the more the merrier) on Purim day;

Giving Matanot Laevyonim (charity to the poor) on Purim day; and

Having a festive Seudah (Purim meal) on Purim day.

The RCV is also mindful that there are those in the community who encourage people to become intoxicated on this day.

Jewish law makes it abundantly clear that drinking alcohol in a manner that threatens one’s health and well-being, or the health and well-being of other members of the community, or makes one prone to behaviour which brings embarrassment and disrepute to individuals or the community in general, is forbidden”.

RCV president, Rabbi Mordechai Gutnick, added: “In particular, all those conducting and participating in Purim celebrations must be mindful of the fact that the providing of alcohol to anyone underage is not only inappropriate in Jewish law but is also illegal in civil law”.

Purim is a festival which celebrates the victory of the Jewish nation over the Persians in ancient times. It will be celebrated next Wednesday and Thursday March 4 and 5.

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